Erika: Listen, if the contract keeps changing, that’s a red flag. A proprietary CDN may save you time, but its terms can be a maze of hidden fees and lock‑in clauses. Rolling your own gives you control, but every layer you add is a new point of failure—unless you audit it hard. A hybrid: use a proven CDN for the static load, but keep your own WAF and rate‑limit logic on the edge. That way you get speed and you still own the security. And remember, the fine print is usually where the underdogs get tripped up—read it like a blueprint, not a poem.

Erika: Good call on the checklist—just make sure the audit covers not only the tech but the contract loopholes too. If they still keep pushing “creative wording,” flag it. Plain sight is key, but don’t forget the fine print’s still there, just hiding in plain sight. Keep tightening those terms, and we’ll avoid the hidden fee train.

Erika: Great, just remember the “creative wording” often hides in clauses that look innocuous—watch the dates, the escalation terms, the clause that lets them add fees if you audit. If it stays clear, you’ve got a win. Keep your checklist tight, and we’ll keep that train off the tracks.